1. An involuntary, sudden, painful muscular contraction; such as, in a leg, often caused by a strain or a sudden chill: Too often, Ira wakes up with a cramp in each leg which hurts her so much that she can hardly get up!
2. A paralysis of local muscles caused by continued over exertion: Otis developed writer's cramp in his hands because he would not stop for a rest.
3. An iron bar bent at both ends, used to bind two stones, various timbers, etc., together: Orlando was able to hold the two large stones together with a cramp.
4. An adjustable frame in which pieces may be held or forced together, as when making a joint; a clamp: The carpenter used a cramp, or two, to make the window frames.

1. To press or to confine something into a space: In order to get a ride in the small car, Lorene had to cramp herself into it.
2. To prevent someone from behaving or expressing his or her emotions and thoughts freely: Marta felt as if the school's strict rule of not talking unless called upon by the teacher would cramp her desire to express herself.

1. Not having enough space to move freely or feeling crowded and uncomfortable: Because of the winter storm, several people were cramped inside the tiny cabin.
2. Small and having parts too close together: It's impossible to read Gwen's cramped handwriting.